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Sandra Moon complex nears completion in South Huntsville

The expansive project to transform Grissom's former home is culminating in a facility that's bringing something new to Huntsville's portfolio: a recreation center with a focus on performing arts.

Culture Brief

Work at the Sandra Moon Community Complex in South Huntsville is nearing completion, nine years after Grissom High School moved to Haysland Road. Why it matters: The expansive project to transform Grissom&#x27;s former home is culminating in a facility that&#x27;s bringing something new to Huntsville&#x27;s portfolio: a recreation center with a focus on performing arts.

Huntsville researchers discover "demon cavefish"

There are still natural wonders to be found right under our noses — or feet.

Culture

Researchers have discovered a new species of cavefish at Redstone Arsenal.Why it matters: There are still natural wonders to be found right under our noses (or feet).

Monopoly hands the dice to Huntsville for new city edition

The famed real estate board game Monopoly is publishing a Huntsville edition next year and is seeking community suggestions.

The famed real estate board game Monopoly is publishing a Huntsville edition next year. Why it matters: Boardwalk, Parkway Place? More like U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Big Spring Park.

$50M Lewter District project takes shape downtown

The project includes the repurposing of the Lewter Hardware building and the construction of a five-story office building and 14 luxury townhomes.

Business

Developers are preparing to cut the ribbon on the 1.5-acre Lewter District in Huntsville.Why it matters: An effort that began with repurposing the historic Lewter Hardware building is now aiming to establish a mixed-use area downtown.

Front Row opens leasing, targets June move-ins

The sprawling mixed-use development has launched its official website.

Business Brief

The Residences at Front Row is getting ready to sign its first leases for a targeted June move-in date. Why it matters: The sprawling mixed-use development under construction across from the Von Braun Center has been years in the making and is expected to help transform that &quot;gateway&quot; into downtown.

Inside Huntsville's new smaller-format Ikea

The grand opening of Ikea's first Alabama location is on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Development

After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months of" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">months of</a> anticipation, Ikea opens Wednesday on University Drive. Why it matters: Ranking high among Huntsville&#x27;s most-wanted retailers, Ikea is bringing its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller-format store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" target="_blank">smaller-format store</a> to the Rocket City, targeting the rapidly growing area for its first store in Alabama.

Exclusive: MidCity unveils major expansion with new music venue and tech hub

In plans shared first with Axios, developer RCP Companies plans to build a new music venue, two hotels, a tech campus and more.

MidCity will build a new music venue, two hotels, a tech campus and more as part of a $300 million, 12-acre expansion.Why it matters: The public-private partnership is defining what mixed-use developments in Huntsville can be: an &quot;18-hour district,&quot; where people can find an apartment, start a new company or catch a show.

Eli Lilly makes Alabama history with $6B Huntsville plant

Eli Lilly plans to start work next year on a facility that will produce orforglipron, officials announced Tuesday in Huntsville.

Eli Lilly chose Huntsville for its newest manufacturing plant — a $6 billion project and the largest single-site investment in Alabama history.Why it matters: The project aims to transform Huntsville, and the state, into a world leader in biopharma manufacturing.

The how and why of Huntsville's annexation spree

Huntsville has added 2,257 acres in annexations this year, per city data.

Huntsville is growing quickly — not only in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/25/huntsville-population-growth-trend" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/25/huntsville-population-growth-trend" target="_self">population</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="employment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/21/huntsville-drone-facility-pdw-defense-tech-us-military" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/21/huntsville-drone-facility-pdw-defense-tech-us-military" target="_self">employment</a>, but in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="square footage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/10/council-weighs-1-000-acre-annexation-tonight" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/10/council-weighs-1-000-acre-annexation-tonight" target="_self">square footage</a>. Why it matters: The city has added 2,257 acres in annexations this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per city data" data-vars-click-url="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/server/rest/services/Boundaries/CityAnnexationsByYear/MapServer" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/server/rest/services/Boundaries/CityAnnexationsByYear/MapServer" target="_blank">per city data</a>, making it larger in land area than Chicago and raising questions about city services and strategy.

Are Huntsville homeowners "locked in?"

Huntsville's housing market sees a surge in listings as sellers adjust to a new normal in mortgage rates.

Real Estate

One bright spot in this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bummer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/housing-home-sales-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="7abfb23a-f674-44c8-a869-6df631cbd20c" data-vars-headline="Are Huntsville homeowners &quot;locked in?&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/housing-home-sales-mortgage-rates" target="_self">bummer</a> housing market: More listings are shaking loose.Why it matters: Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" data-vars-content-id="7abfb23a-f674-44c8-a869-6df631cbd20c" data-vars-headline="Are Huntsville homeowners &quot;locked in?&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" target="_self">homeowners</a> sitting on low mortgage rates are finally selling, including in Huntsville, where inventory is on the rise.

Real Estate 🏠

Monopoly hands the dice to Huntsville for new city edition

$50M Lewter District project takes shape downtown

Front Row opens leasing, targets June move-ins

Inside Huntsville's new smaller-format Ikea

Exclusive: MidCity unveils major expansion with new music venue and tech hub